Searchability is the degree to which data can be found through search. For open data published on the web, searchability means being findable by both users and search engines like Google.
Keywords and Tags
Keywords and tags are metadata fields that describe the topics covered by a dataset. Well-chosen keywords dramatically improve searchability. Think about what terms someone would use when searching for this data, and include those terms in the metadata.
Structured Metadata Standards
Using standard metadata schemas makes data searchable across systems. DCAT (Data Catalog Vocabulary) is the standard used by most government open data portals. Schema.org provides structured data markup that helps search engines understand and index datasets.
Google Dataset Search indexes datasets that use Schema.org Dataset markup. Adding this structured metadata to your data portal pages makes your datasets discoverable through Google, dramatically expanding their reach.
Titles and Descriptions
The title and description of a dataset are the most important metadata fields for searchability. A clear, descriptive title that includes key terms will rank better in search results than a cryptic code or abbreviation. The description should explain what the dataset contains in plain language.
Persistent URLs
Searchability requires stable, persistent URLs. If a dataset's URL changes, links break and search engine rankings are lost. Use permanent, predictable URL patterns for data assets and redirect old URLs when they change.
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